Rail Budget 2012 will keep in mind needs of common man: Dinesh Trivedi

NEW DELHI: Set to present his maiden budget in parliament on Wednesday, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said it would keep in my mind the needs of the common man and the country.

"The budget is going to be very good for the country and the common man. I have to make sure that Indian Railways is solid like gold," Trivedi told reporters before leaving Rail Bhavan for parliament.

"The railways are one of the most important infrastructure. Without the railways growing, India's GDP cannot grow," the minister added.

With finances in a disarray and pressure on even normal replacement of worn-out infrastructure, at least two expert committees have recommended in recent weeks that a safety surcharge be levied, while even rail employees now seek a fare hike. Safety is emerging as the critical need for the Indian Railways given the rising casualty rate, although the number of fatal accidents may be lower.

Between April and November , 2011, 250 people died in 85 accidents. During 2010-11 , 381 people were killed in 141 accidents, with collisions responsible for twothirds of the death.

For years, railways has been talking of revamping its signaling and telecom systems in addition to track renewal. But with ministers focusing on launching new trains to please their constituency , safety has been glossed over. Even prime ministers have had little effect given that he has been unable to convince his regional allies.